Funds for Fridges

The sequel to “Cash for Clunkers” might be called “Funds forFridges.” The continuation to America’s ever-popular “Cash for Clunkers”program (which yielded 690,114 car turn-ins and new unit sales) will soon jumpstart a new “Cash for Appliances” program that's coming to a utility near youthis fall. The main difference, notrade-in is required, these are outright government sponsored rebates forrefrigerators, furnaces, washers, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, etc.

Even though “Cash for Clunkers” is over for cars, more than60 utilities across the U.S. will be offering money for recycled appliancessuch as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and more. The federal government willbe offering rebates from $50 to $200 in support of consumers purchasing moreenergy-efficient appliances. The goal is simple: Take energy-sucking appliancesout of homes and off energy grids, in favor of newer, more energy-efficientones that will save consumers money, and conserve energy. As a byproduct of all the savings, homeappliance manufacturers are counting their lucky stars. The government will help defray the costs ofupgrading to Energy Star appliances in hopes families will actually purchaseeven in the midst of an economic recession. As you can imagine the home appliance supply chain has been devastatedby the housing crisis. So the “Cash for Appliances” programaccommodates the Obama administration’s triple bottom line, which stands tobenefit: the environment, the economy and the consumer.

Supported as part of President Obama's $787 billion stimulusplan, the Department of Energy will provide states with $300 million which willinclude these rebates in an effort to boost the economy, and also persuade andhelp citizens make a transition into a better green, energy-conservinglifestyle.

So there’s got to be a catch, right? Well, not really, thiscould be a winner across the board. Theonly unknown is how will the public react? Will this be as successful as “Cashfor Clunkers” or is that even a fair benchmark? Let’s face it -- driving awayin your brand new ride is a lot sexier than installing a new dishwasher. A lot of these consumer oriented stimulusprograms have “The Price is Right” feel to it – instead of Bob Barkerannouncing your bounty, you’ve got Steve Chu, the U.S. Secretary of Energy,padding your household expenses. However, this certainly is no game show. This is where the environment and the economy are on a collision courseand our children’s future is up for grabs. The stakes are high.

Despite our good green intentions, money still talks. If green guilt doesn’t prompt mass action toprotect Mother Earth perhaps greenbacks will – at least that’s what the fedsare bargaining for. State applicationsfor the “Cash for Appliances” funding are due by October 15th, 2009; consumerswill probably see the rebates trickle down to their wallets in lateNovember. Consumers should check theirstate’s energy department to see when the rebates are active and what makes andmodels are included. The EnergyDepartment's Recovery Act Web site is also a hub of information on stimulusfunding and projects by state.

I encourage everybody to participate in this program. It seems to be a part of the stimulus programthat is less centric on socioeconomic status. Best of all, the results are long-lasting as most appliances have a 10+year useful life. That amount of timeconstitutes significant carbon emissions reductions as well as cumulativedollars saved.